Longevity Is Hard to Come By

"Has there been any recent progress with the experiments?"

Inside the Akatsuki base, Shin looked over the experimental equipment before him.

Elder Shui stood by cautiously. This was not Shin's first visit to the experimental area, but compared to when he had been in Konoha, his visits had increased countless times, putting tremendous pressure on the entire organization.

The experimental area had been expanded again, growing from a few dozen people to several hundred. A dedicated section of the entire base had even been set aside for their use.

Hearing Shin's question, Elder Shui hurriedly replied, "There has been major progress in every aspect. The cutting-edge Konoha materials Lady Tamamo brought back have been extremely useful, allowing us to overcome a number of difficult problems in succession."

Shin walked slowly through the experimental area. People occasionally bowed to him in greeting. Frowning, he asked, "How are the Hashirama experimental subject and Otsutsuki Hufu progressing? I've given you so much time already. If you still can't produce anything substantial, I'll have to question your capabilities." Elder Shui immediately broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly explained, "Please listen, Leader. As for the Senju Hashirama experimental subject, we've made a new breakthrough. We discovered the reason the subjects died suddenly, and we've initially calculated what kind of physique is needed to withstand Senju Hashirama's cells. Give us a little more time, and we'll definitely provide an answer that satisfies you."

Shin glanced back at him and chuckled. "No need to be so nervous. I trust your abilities. Otherwise, I wouldn't have entrusted these things to you."

Elder Shui secretly wiped away his cold sweat and let out a long sigh of relief. He had personally witnessed how Akatsuki dealt with its own people when they failed at their tasks. Even now,